[irish_links]

....I wonder how many European nations would be interested in forming a close economic alliance with America? One that left their national sovereignty intact and respected, along with their laws and customs......

I would love to see it, but first the Bush Administration would have to change its lousy trade policies. To date, the Adminstration has talked free trade talk, but it hasn't walked the walk. The Steel fiasco is premia face evidence.

The best thing that could come of this mess is a new North Atlantic alliance based on free trade, political and economic liberalism and collective security. The French and Germans believe in none of the above and would be unwelcome. The rest of Europe can Join the U.S. and Mexico (and Canada if it doesn't prefer to hand out with the stiff necked Lefties) to create a new integrated pole that can lead the world to justice and prosperity.

One can dream.

[Bonaparte]

You would want to be completely dependent on a foreign power for our steel? Keep in mind that once a steel plant is shut down, it takes years to start it back up. I'm not a purist on the subject of free trade. I like it when it works, but like everything else, it has its downside. The power to impose tariffs is not something I would want to completely give up.